ADB approves $181 Million loan for development in Ahmedabad’s peri-urban areas

Ahmedabad: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced on Monday that it has sanctioned a $181 million loan to facilitate the creation of high-quality infrastructure and services, aiming to enhance urban living conditions and transportation in the outlying areas of Ahmedabad.

The Ahmedabad peri-urban livability improvement project is set to build 166 kilometers of water distribution network, 126 kilometers of climate-resilient stormwater drainage, 300 kilometers of sewerage systems, and four sewage treatment plants, as outlined by the Manila-based multilateral development bank. Furthermore, the project will also contribute to the enhancement of 10 junctions along the existing Sardar Patel Ring Road, which will improve the connectivity between the peri-urban regions and Ahmedabad city.

“Ahmedabad and surrounding areas are rapidly growing as an industrial center, contributing to Gujarat’s economic development. This project envisions the future of the areas surrounding Ahmedabad city to help control urban sprawl, a planning approach that can be replicated in other states,” said ADB Principal Urban Development Specialist Sanjay Joshi. “The project will help upgrade basic infrastructure and services and strengthen urban management in these areas to raise the quality of life of its residents and sustain economic growth.”

ADB will help strengthen the capacity of the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority and urban local bodies in technology-based urban planning, including climate change and disaster-resilient infrastructure that promote environmental and social safeguards, gender equality and social inclusion. The project will support land development plans and town planning schemes integrating these elements that can be promoted and replicated by other states to enhance more planned urban development and densification through agglomeration, said a press statement of Bank. DeshGujarat